Ways to say it
| Spanish | IPA | Note |
|---|---|---|
| barman | /ˈbaɾman/ | feminine, masculine |
| bartender | /ˈbaɾtendeɾ/ | feminine, masculine |
| barténder | /baɾˈtendeɾ/ | feminine, masculine |
| cantinero | /kantiˈneɾo/ | masculine |
| coctelero | /koɡteˈleɾo/ | masculine |
A bartender is a person who works in a bar. While several terms exist, they carry different connotations regarding specialization and environment.
Which one should you use?
barman and bartender are general terms for anyone working behind a bar. However, coctelero is a more specialized term used specifically for a mixologist or someone who specializes in making cocktails.
Is there a formal and an informal way to say it?
barman is a very common anglicism used across many Spanish-speaking countries. In contrast, cantinero is a more traditional term often associated with older-style bars or cantinas.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In more urban areas or tourist destinations, the English loanword bartender is often used. In Latin American countries, cantinera is an informal term used to refer to a female bartender.
How does it change in a sentence?
The English loanword bartender can be used for a female bartender by using the feminine article, such as la bartender.
How do you pronounce it?
/ˈbaɾman/
Did you know?
- In some Latin American cultures, a cantinero is viewed not just as a server but as a neighborhood confidant and unofficial therapist for regular patrons.
- While coctelero refers to the professional, the same word coctelera is also used to describe the physical shaker used to mix drinks.
- The root of 'bar' in both English and the Spanish 'barra' shares a common ancestor in the Vulgar Latin word *barra.
Examples in context
- El cantinero echó a Tom del bar.The bartender kicked Tom out of the bar.This sentence is useful for showing how to use cantinero in a sentence about someone being removed from a bar.Tatoeba #1901456 by marcelostockle, translation #1898223 by CK
- Cantinero, quisiera una bebida.Bartender, I'd like to have a drink.This sentence is useful for showing how to address a cantinero to order a drink.Tatoeba #434303 by lukaszpp, translation #434302 by lukaszpp
- ¡Oye, cantinero! ¿Me puedes dar otro mojito, por favor?Hey, bartender! Can you give me another mojito, please?
- El barman prepara un cóctel delicioso.The barman prepares a delicious cocktail.
- 3 more sentences on Tatoeba
Example conversation
Javier and Lucía are at a crowded lounge.
- JavierLucía, ¿puedes llamar al barman?Lucía, can you call the barman?
- LucíaNo puedo, el barman está muy ocupado.I can't, the barman is very busy.
- JavierEs verdad, ese barman no para de trabajar.It's true, that barman doesn't stop working.
- LucíaSí, esperemos un momento para pedir algo.Yes, let's wait a moment to order something.
Sources
- Wiktionary, “bartender” translations and entries barman, bartender, barténder, cantinero, coctelero, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries barman, bartender, cantinero, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
